Pet Rescue Open Thread
Here is a nice story after a long, long week (for me, at least):
The story:
My cat (I call her by different names all the time but the most used one is “G. G. cat” or “G.G.”) and I became friends when she still belonged to my neighbor five years ago. Among the five cats my neighbor owned, somehow GG likes to visit me the most. She would wait at the door step every evening for me to come home from work. She would give me dead birds as presents (now I keep her mostly indoors so she wouldn’t bother the birds anymore)...Then the neighbor (she was very old) died and her relatives wouldn’t have anything to do with the cats. So I adopted GG as the other neighbor took care of the rest of the four. I would have gotten another one, which also visited me a lot, if GG weren’t so bitchy about it.
Never having had any cat before, It is all a new adventure for me and one of the best things I have done in my life.
She is the joy (or the center?) of our family. My husband and I sometimes call her our alien overlord or the Queen.
Anyway, here are some pictures of her doing her favorite activities. She also sits on my chest every morning to get me to feed her.
PS. I think GG and Tunch have very similar faces and body shapes.
This is my favorite pic:
Cute cat. I definitely detect some Tunchitude in the first pic.
January 30, 2010 6:05 pm
Posted in: Cat Blogging
118 Comments
118 Responses
WaterGirl - January 30, 2010 | 6:11 pm · Link
Great story, handsome cat. I especially love the first picture. If they televise the stare down between GG and Tunch, I will pay to watch.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 6:13 pm · Link
I guess this kitteh is what’s known as a Calico Cat. I do love that black splotch on one side. Nice story and darling feline.
AnneS - January 30, 2010 | 6:20 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck: My grandmom had a Calico kitty of that color named Twinks (short for Twinkle Toes—she had the extra thumb of the Hemingway cats).
Our rescued kitty Miss Callie is also a Calico but her coloring is denser and she’s referred to as a “Tortie” or tortoise shell colored kitty. Miss Callie is currently mid-snort, sleeping next to me on the couch.
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 6:22 pm · Link
What a beautiful cat. I love the markings and color around her face. Glad the owner was there to adopt her. My favorite picture is the kitteh under the blankey.
John, hope the worst is over for you.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 6:23 pm · Link
Man o man, this place is dead as Julius Caesar tonight. As soon as it gets dark, gonna watch Moon (the movie) – has to be dark before I can watch a movie. Don’t know why, but always has been that way with me. Speaking of Moon, there was a full moon last night that I was going to take a picture of but forgot. Maybe it wasn’t quite full and will be out tonight. The NM sky at night is awesome. Living so far away from any big city when it is crystal clear the sky is full of bright stars with lots of shooting ones.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 6:25 pm · Link
@AnneS: When are we going to see pics of your kitty?
edit == oops I thought your were Annie,
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 6:26 pm · Link
Obligatory KITTEH!!
@General Winfield Stuck: I’m doing housework so I’m more or less up and down. I’m actually about to leave for a bit to go get a propane tank filled. There’s never a Hank Hill around when you need one.
AnneS - January 30, 2010 | 6:27 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck: So kind of you to ask! As soon as I set up a Flickr account or something similar. I’m inspired by all of the photos folks share here so I hope to have something soon. :)
freelancer - January 30, 2010 | 6:27 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Did you see Mars right next to it? and Venus off to the south? That was pretty cool to see.
http://blogs.discovermagazine......ars-dance/
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 6:30 pm · Link
@freelancer: No, as I was coming in I just glanced at the bright moon and made a mental note to go back and photograph it. Forgot to, I think for sake of a little flame war on BJ.
Annie - January 30, 2010 | 6:37 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Yes. I know I promised pictures, but I am too lazy to figure out how to upload them…I know it is easy, and I know I sound stupid, and I know I sound lazy—I plead guilty to all….
Maybe I can get one of my students to help….
I will say that my two monsters are quite extraordinary, and not just because of their size. Although Diesel is almost Charlie’s size—no joke. Anyway, we all live in hope, and hopefully one day soon. Also, I keep thinking of how Charlie got lost again, and how you found him waiting for you. Almost tore my heart out thinking of that most adorable pup lost….
Anyway, G.G. is absolutely adorable, and I love that she found a loving home. You are right, adopting pets is one of the best things we can do.
paradox - January 30, 2010 | 6:38 pm · Link
Very nice, thank you.
User Name - January 30, 2010 | 6:38 pm · Link
Nothing to see here, just test-driving a new blog name with 97,000,000 Google hits behind it.
You don’t want to know.
I love the coat on Calico cats. We have a family of strays in our neighborhood with brown and lighter brown brindle coats, I’ve never seen that pattern on cats, only dog breeds like pits or boxers.
Chat Noir - January 30, 2010 | 6:41 pm · Link
Beautiful kitteh. I love calico cats—well, I love all cats. Thanks for the lovely story.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 6:43 pm · Link
Bea acting all inconspicuous.
R-Jud - January 30, 2010 | 6:46 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
It’s “officially” full tonight, and is meant to be the brightest of the year. Certainly seemed that way to us when we walked up to the pub earlier. Please do take a picture of that desert sky for us.
In re the rescue: I LOVE calico cats. Our first family cat, Scout, was a calico, and she made the most adorable chirping noises. Well done adopting her.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 6:50 pm · Link
@R-Jud: Oh good, I was hoping for another chance. And yes, it really struck me last night how bright it was and incredible detail like I don’t remember seeing before. We have some sparse clouds right now, but hopefully they will clear out and I can get a pic, and will post it if successful.
The Moar You Know - January 30, 2010 | 6:52 pm · Link
Good lord, she looks almost exactly like mine – my baby is a bit more white.
woody - January 30, 2010 | 6:54 pm · Link
Here in the northern node of the high Chihuahuan desert, this time of year, the sunrise and moon-set overlap, and it can be quite astonishing…The moon here tonite will rise into almost total darkness, around 6:30, an hour after sunset. When it tops the Sandia massif, it can seem to fill the whole sky! The teeny little image on my camera does not do it justice…
Phoebe - January 30, 2010 | 6:56 pm · Link
I cannot get enough pet rescue stories. Thanks.
I’m re-commenting this:
http://member.hsmo.org/site/Pa.....ethon_2010
It has some really amazing ones.
woody - January 30, 2010 | 6:56 pm · Link
I’m not sure, but I am beginning to think all cats are “Tunch” under the fur…
Chat Noir - January 30, 2010 | 6:57 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Her face says, “Don’t mind me. I’m just trying to blend in.”
What a pretty kitteh!
Violet - January 30, 2010 | 6:57 pm · Link
Love the stare! Definitely in Tunchland territory. The stare down between those two would be epic.
Headed out to see “Crazy Heart” in a bit, I hope. Heard good things about it. I love Jeff Bridges and the music looks good.
R-Jud - January 30, 2010 | 7:00 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Thanks. I live on the extreme southern edge of Birmingham, where the light pollution’s not too terrible. I could probably have gotten a decent photo myself, but it’s nearly midnight here, so the moon’s over the other side of the hills from me now.
I kicked myself for forgetting my camera on the walk home from the pub. We went up for dinner early, so we still had some twilight in the sky when we were coming back, along with that moon and Mars. Glorious.
Enjoy your Saturday.
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 7:02 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Bea likes snow?
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 7:05 pm · Link
@SIA:
She willingly goes where Toby fears to tread.
Chat Noir - January 30, 2010 | 7:05 pm · Link
@Violet:
Do report back with your opinion of it. I’ve read that it is very good. I have always liked Jeff Bridges and not just because he shares a birthday with me (although he’s older).
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 7:05 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Bea looks to be a little on the antique white shade, a little more toward bone white and she’d be invisible for sure. A little sweety!!
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 7:08 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Moon rise is still a ways off tonight, so I’ll drag out some past attempts to get a shot. Heh, moon shot.
Annie - January 30, 2010 | 7:09 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Ok. Now, I am shamed :(
Pictures next week…Large pictures that is…
Annie +2. Well, it has been showing all day….
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 7:10 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Heh. Toby’s like, Get me the hell back inside!
I’ve never seen a cat like the snow. Amazing!
Violet - January 30, 2010 | 7:11 pm · Link
@Chat Noir:
Will do. He’s seems like a nice guy. I loved him at the Golden Globes. He seemed genuinely touched by the ovation from the other actors in the room.
AhabTRuler - January 30, 2010 | 7:13 pm · Link
I hate it when that happens! Why didn’t anyone say anything?
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 7:14 pm · Link
@ Jeffrey, this is a gorgeous photo of the cardinals.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/j.....otostream/
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 7:14 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: Kinda weird effect. Did you take that on Alpha Centauri?
AhabTRuler - January 30, 2010 | 7:15 pm · Link
@SIA: It’s not as uncommon as all that.
Gravenstone - January 30, 2010 | 7:15 pm · Link
That is one very serene looking kitteh. Good on ya for taking her in.
More years ago than I care to remember, our family took in the dog of neighbor who passed away. He was an Airedale mix name of Brownie. At first he wasn’t too sure what to make of the new clan, having gone from an elderly gentleman farmer to a family with two rambunctious kids. Eventually he warmed to my sister and I, and true to his Airedale roots became quite protective. One summer day, a couple years after he came to us, my sister and I were home alone (I was probably 12 or so) when someone pulled into the drive – likely a salesman. The driver proceeds to get out of his car and is about to walk to the back door, when I let slip Brownie. Dog was on the dude in a heartbeat. He barely managed to dive back into his car ahead of about 70 pounds of pissed off canine. No one messed around with Brownie’s family!
JGabriel - January 30, 2010 | 7:17 pm · Link
OT (can one go off topic in an open thread?), but AdNag has an amusing little article on GOP infighting at the Times. To wit, regarding the GOP resolution on purity control:
And we get this wonderful news, too:
(Fist pump.) YES!
.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 7:18 pm · Link
@SIA: Thanks! My favorite today, for sure.
Carrie - January 30, 2010 | 7:18 pm · Link
@jeffreyw:
Nice moon, here’s my favorite one
Keith G - January 30, 2010 | 7:19 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: The kittehs at the door is priceless.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 7:20 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck: LOL Took it from the front porch, tho we are a good ways off the beaten path.
gogol's wife - January 30, 2010 | 7:21 pm · Link
I love the picture of GG in bed. So cozy.
Paddy - January 30, 2010 | 7:34 pm · Link
Video- President Obama Does Play-by-Play at Georgetown-Duke basketball 1/30/10
The personification of cool.
Linkmeister - January 30, 2010 | 7:45 pm · Link
@Paddy: He got off a good wisecrack about going to his right, too.
WereBear - January 30, 2010 | 7:45 pm · Link
It’s a tortoiseshell if there isn’t much white, a calico if there is. And almost always females, since it is a sex-linked color pattern.
It’s a lovely thing to take in a passed-away person’s animals, since they meant a lot to their person; and usually the family feels no obligation towards their relative’s loved ones; when they are animals.
Shell - January 30, 2010 | 7:51 pm · Link
The last picture came up before the others. So at first I thought that black , feathery looking bundle was somehow the cat, all curled up. “Wow, that’s a really long haired kitty,” thinks I.
Course now, I see his full calico face.
But still wondering. What is that coiled black thing. A scarf, a hat? An old fashioned muff?
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 7:55 pm · Link
Too cold for this kinda stuff.
And the pic is kinda boring…
bey - January 30, 2010 | 7:57 pm · Link
I love that GG is sleeping on the book. Great story and congrats on such a lovely, lovey cat.
Who does have a certain Tunchiness.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 7:57 pm · Link
@jeffreyw: I respectfully disagree good sir. The picture is quite stunning.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 8:01 pm · Link
@Yutsano: You are too kind.
A reward for you.
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 8:15 pm · Link
@AhabTRuler: So that’s your black kitty walking in the snow? Awesome!
Looked at your other stuff, this is really lovely:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=channel
jl - January 30, 2010 | 8:18 pm · Link
Nice cat. Nice story. I agree, last pic is great.
I also agree that there are signs of considerable Tunchitude in that first picture.
Which concerns be greatly. How many Tunchitudinous cats are there out there? How safe am I walking down secluded streets and byways?
Where are they coming from? How can we find and destroy the mad scientist’s secret laboratory that is creating them?
Nothing against Tunch. I am a great Tunch fan. But I always assumed that I could enjoy the Tunch-cat experience from a very safe long distance while a poor human guinea pig like Cole took the risk.
Apparently, not so.
arguingwithsignposts - January 30, 2010 | 8:19 pm · Link
@jeffreyw:
Did someone say kittehs? the smudge tongue.
Doonhamer - January 30, 2010 | 8:28 pm · Link
Flying home from a week-long business trip in the Dallas area last night, I went looking for a newsstand before the flight to buy something nice and science-y for the flight back to Tucson.
The first such business I came across was the Fox News Channel newsstand. I had no idea they existed. After pausing a moment to mentally debate whether going in and taking a crap on the checkout counter would be worth the bother, I shrugged and kept walking; halfway around Terminal C, I found another, less fair-and-balanced newsstand to buy my Scientific American.
Oh, pet rescue open thread. Gotcha. How ‘bout some rescued greyhound tongues?
Doonhamer + 5
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 8:30 pm · Link
@Doonhamer: YAY!! PUPPEHS!!
EDIT: I have gone from Bones to Phineas & Ferb. Lord knows where I’m gonna end up next. Plus I’m hungry.
Evolutionary - January 30, 2010 | 8:35 pm · Link
I can’t believe how normal everything seem sin our house right now when a tragedy just happened 50 feet away that could have been a major tragedy. Our neighbors house just burned down but the family got out safely. My wife and I stood in our front yard (at 18 degrees) and watched the flames shoot up from the roof at the far end of our nearest neighbors house. We we very concerned that the tall pine trees between our house and theirs would catch fire but fortunately the firemen got it under control and that didn’t happen. We are safe and our house is snug while they are devastated. I’m sure that the house is a total loss.
There are many fire trucks and tanker trucks still here and they are still pumping water on it but i think the worst is over. I don’t know them well, they have young kids (no dogs any more, I don’t know about cats) and we are older with far different interests. I just can’t sit and read a book while I listen to the rumble of pumps and firetruck engines in front of our house. So I just thought I would talk about it a little bit here.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 8:35 pm · Link
Joni Mitchell
California on Dulcimer.
No others like her, before or since.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 8:36 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
I have a double dog dare for ya.
arguingwithsignposts - January 30, 2010 | 8:39 pm · Link
@Evolutionary: losing everything in a fire is horrible. While they are all still intact physically, there are some things in that house that can’t be replaced. I hope you can find a way to help.
rootless_e - January 30, 2010 | 8:39 pm · Link
@Paddy: @Paddy:
Q: Can you go to your right?
A: I went to the Republican House Caucus this week.
Doonhamer - January 30, 2010 | 8:40 pm · Link
@Yutsano: Synchronicity. I was composing my previous comment when the better half IMed me: “I’m checking out this Phineas & Ferb; come see, it’s pretty good!” From the little bit I’ve seen, I tend to agree (Yes, we IM each other between the living room and the office).
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 8:41 pm · Link
@Evolutionary: How awful. Our neighbor’s house burned three years ago. Of course they were pretty far away from us. Best thing that came out of that was our dog Jack, one of the county officials there at the fire came by the next day and asked if we wanted him. Said he would go to the pound if we refused. Fucking bastard.
Annie - January 30, 2010 | 8:42 pm · Link
Short story. We found our first cat—Smrda—in Sarajevo in 1997 after the war—she was found in the garbage, and, we brought her home immediately. Several months after we had her, she did a flying leap off our 2nd floor balcony—probably after a bird—broke her leg and had some damage to her neck and spine. We rushed her to what was left of the Vet faculty, and begged a doctor to help her. Dr. Haris was an awesome vet. Completely dedicated to animals, and clearly distressed at his lack of capacity to help her. Dr. Haris explained that due to the war, and of course, other priorities, the Vet faculty had not received any aid to help rebuild their services. They just were not a priority of any aid agency.
Clearly in distress—all of us and of course Smrda—we managed to do something. Dr. Haris remembered an article he read that stated if you give cortisone immediately you can prevent severe spinal injuries. So we managed to get cortisone from an emergency clinic, and we gave her enough to feed an elephant. For her leg, we fashioned an external cast from nails and plastic.
12 years later, Smrda is cross-eyed and has a weird meow from her neck and spinal inquires. Her leg recovered, and she walks fine…
I am not sure that pets should be a priority after war—and vet services—but, I never have forgotten the pain Dr. Haris felt at not being able to do anything.
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 8:43 pm · Link
@Evolutionary: It’s like seeing a bad car accident close to you but being unharmed. A very strange feeling – kind of stunned and detached at the same time. I’m sure they would appreciate anything the community can provide in terms of shelter, food clothing etc. That must be truly horrible for everyone, and I hope all creatures made it out OK.
eastriver - January 30, 2010 | 8:44 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
P&F, funniest cartoon on the teevee. My 6 year-old is addicted.
ellie - January 30, 2010 | 8:48 pm · Link
Kitteh! One of my cats sleeps under the covers next to me. He’s a nice kitty.
Evolutionary - January 30, 2010 | 8:49 pm · Link
@SIA: That’s exactly what it is only magnified by the permanent proximity. Stunned, detached and I can’t imagine how I will be able to sleep in the bedroom which is on the side of our house closest to theirs.
The fireman are walking around on the undamaged section of the roof right now which is the end closest to our house.
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 8:52 pm · Link
@Evolutionary:
Holy shit. On two different occasions I’ve witnessed buildings burning before the fire department showed up. It gets so intense so fast, it’s shocking. That’s so sad.
This thing was outside my back door yesterday.
I was skeered.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 8:57 pm · Link
@Annie: Wow. That’s a fascinating story. Good for you and smrda.
AhabTRuler - January 30, 2010 | 9:00 pm · Link
@SIA: I’m glad you like it; I threw it together using only still photos. Everything except for the photos of the Sun and the Moon (I wish!) comes from pics that either I or my SO have shot over about 15 years. Almost all of them are from vacations to Martinique, France, Amsterdam, and maybe a couple other places.
Betsy - January 30, 2010 | 9:00 pm · Link
That’s a wonderful story and a gorgeous cat! Good on you for taking her in, whoever you are.
@Evolutionary:
That’s terrible. My thoughts go out to them. I hope they have a good support system and better insurance.
@Cat Lady:
Jeez! I had no idea what that was until I looked it up. I’ve never seen nor heard of a fisher cat before.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 9:02 pm · Link
@eastriver: “Bowling For Soup!”
...
“Ahh it’s before their time.”
Seriously, who talked a hard rock band into doing a theme song on Disney?
@Evolutionary: I wish them well. Hopefully they have support and resources to recover from this.
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 9:03 pm · Link
@Betsy:
Me neither, and I wish I hadn’t. It was much bigger than that picture too and now I’ve got the heebie jeebies.
eastriver - January 30, 2010 | 9:05 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
Doofenshmirtz: * “Anyway, I realized that I should build things to make all of those awful things DISAPPEAR! Behold, Perry the Platypus – SHRINKSPHERIA! You like it? I was going to call it a Shrinkinator, but I’ve done that whole -inator thing before, it’s been done to death.”
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 9:08 pm · Link
@Cat Lady: Believe that could be a Marten, where do you live, or part of the country.
eastriver - January 30, 2010 | 9:09 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
“Perry the Platypus, your timing is uncanny…and by “uncanny” I mean… COMPLETELY CANNY!”
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 9:11 pm · Link
@eastriver: “Look in the box Perry the Platypus. Always look in the box.”
Don’t mess with the platypus.
EDIT: I’m thinking there’s a P&F marathon on right now. I’ve been watching pretty much since WGN went to a lame movie over Bones.
Interrobang - January 30, 2010 | 9:12 pm · Link
What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it. It’s always great to see people doing right by animals.
For those of you who saw my kitteh pics a few weeks ago, I’m sorry to report that I had to put my little guy down on Tuesday. We tried really hard, but the lymphoma finally got him. :(
I may submit my rescue story when I get my next cat…
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 9:13 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
West of Boston. Because I feed the ferals on my property I’m used to the usual suspects coming around, but this thing was of another magnitude.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 9:13 pm · Link
@Cat Lady: I think it’s a Fisher related to Marten in the weasel family they are harmless critters.
jeffreyw - January 30, 2010 | 9:15 pm · Link
@Interrobang: Aww, too bad.
eastriver - January 30, 2010 | 9:16 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
I’m in a recording studio, high over Times Square. No TV on. Stuck on Dathomir.
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 9:16 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
They apparently prefer to eat porcupines so I’m not thinking they’re that harmless.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 9:16 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck: Yup, Fisher’s live in NE. You are lucky to see one. I am envious, and you got a pic too.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 9:20 pm · Link
@Cat Lady: You ain’t a porcupine, so nuthin’ to worry about.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 9:21 pm · Link
@Cat Lady: I’m trying to figure out the logistics of how one would eat a porcupine. I guess you only have to worry if you’re a porcupine.
mandarama - January 30, 2010 | 9:24 pm · Link
Beautiful G.G. kitty! Love the bed photo.
My whole family is addicted to P&F. “It’s gnome-a-geddon!”
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 9:26 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
LOL, but my cats might disagree.
South of I-10 - January 30, 2010 | 9:28 pm · Link
@Evolutionary: How terrible. A close friend’s house burned in the last year or two, she had two elderly cats and she lost both of them.
I love the rescue story, what a beautiful cat! I needed a happy, I am still half sick and I’m missing my sister in law’s CD release party. I am so proud of her and I am so bummed to miss it.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 9:31 pm · Link
@Cat Lady: Oh I would be VERY careful with the furballs with that around. It might pick up a taste for feline and that would be tragic.
WaterGirl - January 30, 2010 | 9:41 pm · Link
@Betsy: Betsy, did you see that some of us asked for your cookie recipe on an earlier thread today?
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 9:42 pm · Link
@AhabTRuler: Yes, I remember liking a night time shot of Amsterdam you posted once.
General Winfield Stuck - January 30, 2010 | 9:44 pm · Link
@Yutsano: They roll em over to get at the underbelly. Fisher’s and Marten’s are highly intelligent critters. They’re prolly working out Cat Lady’s schedule as we speak “-)
MJ - January 30, 2010 | 9:45 pm · Link
@Paddy:
Thanks for posting this Paddy.
My 18 yr old niece, who is a G’town undergrad (and an O-bot, generation 2.0) was at this game. She sent me a breathless text message from the game telling me that she got to shake his hand!
She also mentioned that it got out that Obama was coming to the game late last night, so students started lining up at the Verizon center at 4:30 am just to get tickets.
Golly, it sure sucks that the Black Jimmy Carter has no hope of building a following with the next generation of voters.
debit - January 30, 2010 | 9:48 pm · Link
@Interrobang: I am so sorry for your loss.
AhabTRuler - January 30, 2010 | 9:49 pm · Link
@SIA: Well, that is almost entirely Amsterdam’s fault, but thanks! ;-)
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 10:10 pm · Link
Don’t know what to make of this – health care compromise reached before MA elected a republican…
http://motherjones.com/kevin-d.....al-minutes
Redshift - January 30, 2010 | 10:12 pm · Link
Some good friends have a cat that is so weird they suspect he’s four aliens in a cat suit.
Cat Lady - January 30, 2010 | 10:30 pm · Link
@Redshift:
I decided a long time ago that cats are the perfect vehicles for aliens, and the whole cat shtick is a very clever ploy to lull us hairless monkeys into the subservient relationship required to welcome our alien overlords. The whole “cats have staff” joke is going to be on us.
WereBear - January 30, 2010 | 10:37 pm · Link
@Interrobang: So sorry to hear. My sympathies.
It’s awful about a fire. Imagine starting your home completely over, with none of that stuff you kept for sentimental reasons…
SIA - January 30, 2010 | 10:42 pm · Link
@Interrobang: So sorry to hear you’ve lost your baby. Looks like he was a real beauty.
Annie - January 30, 2010 | 10:55 pm · Link
@General Winfield Stuck:
Dr. Haris is the real hero in our story. Each time there is an emergency or crisis in a country, I also think of the animals. Pets and vets are understandly the last to consider when tragedy strikes, but I still can’t help but think of how pets—dogs and cats especially— suffer, too. As of yet, there is no organized aid agency to consider what resources vets need. For years, I was begging support for Dr. Haris from vet faculties in the US. Many sent equipment and such to help him reconstitute his department. Smrda is a loving reminder of what one man, completely dedicted to his work, can do in a small, one animal, crisis.
A side note. Smrda has a few anger issues. It makes me laugh, as I am cleaning the blood from my ankles, and as I threaten her with a plane ticket back to Dr. Haris.
Betsy - January 30, 2010 | 10:58 pm · Link
@WaterGirl:
Oh no, I didn’t! Sorry, I forgot to go back and look. I will post it here and there.
Brown Sugar Cookies
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
14 T unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks or 7 oz)
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups packed light brown sugar (dark brown sugar can also be used)
2 cups plus 2 T unbleached all-purpose flour (10 1/2 ounces)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp table salt
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 T vanilla extract
Heat 10 tablespoons (5 oz) butter in small saucepan over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue to cook, swirling pan frequently until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons (2 oz) butter into hot butter to melt; set aside for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large (18 by 12-inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. In a pie plate, mix granulated sugar and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, rubbing between fingers, until well combined. Whisk flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a small bowl.
Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups brown sugar and salt to bowl with cooled butter; mix until no sugar lumps remain, about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula. Then add the egg, yolk, and vanilla and mix until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined, about 1 minute. Give the dough a final stir with rubber spatula to ensure that no flour pockets remain and ingredients are evenly distributed.
Divide dough into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Working in batches, toss balls in reserved sugar mixture to coat and set on prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart, 12 dough balls per sheet.
Bake one sheet at a time until cookies are browned and still puffy and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft (cookies will look raw between cracks and seem underdone), 12 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Do not overbake.
Cool cookies on baking sheet for a few minutes then transfer to rack to cool completely.
AhabTRuler - January 30, 2010 | 11:04 pm · Link
@Interrobang: I’m sorry to hear that. Condolences.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 11:24 pm · Link
@Betsy: I have an online file I keep recipes on, I have added this one and will definitely try it in the future. I know a lot of the guys here might protest this, but anyone feel like having a cookie swap thread?
Betsy - January 30, 2010 | 11:32 pm · Link
@Yutsano:
Ooh, me! me! And anyone who protests it needs to discover the joy of baking.
Yutsano - January 30, 2010 | 11:36 pm · Link
@Betsy: I think if we get enough votes we’ll lean on a front pager (I think Anne Laurie will be the most amenable) to get a cookie swapping thread going. And anyone who doesn’t like it gets no cookies.
mr. whipple - January 30, 2010 | 11:47 pm · Link
“Fishers are one of the few predators that seek out and kill porcupines. There are some stories in popular literature that fishers can flip a porcupine onto its back and “scoop out its belly like a ripe melon.”[14] As early as 1966, this was identified as an exaggerated myth.[15] However, observational studies show that fisher will make repeated biting attacks on the face of a porcupine and kill it after about 25-30 minutes.[16]
In some areas fishers can become pests to farmers because they will get into a pen and kill large numbers of chickens. Fishers have also been known to eat feral cats and dogs and small pets left outdoors.[17][18] However, a study done in 1979 examined the stomach contents of all fishers trapped in the state of New Hampshire; cat hairs were found in only one of over 1,000 stomachs.[19] Attacks on domestic cats may be documented, but zoologists suggest a bobcat, coyote, or dog is more likely to prey upon domestic cats and chickens.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisher_(animal)
Ruckus - January 31, 2010 | 12:26 am · Link
@Evolutionary:
As bad as losing your house to fire is, this was the best thing that happened to my best friend in early 94. Their house was destroyed/leveled by the Northridge earthquake. It then proceeded to catch fire and the remains burned to the ground. The the only good part – no earthquake insurance, but full replacement fire insurance, building and contents. It really was a bitch but they ended up with a new house. Of course the new one burned to the ground again 2 years ago in a raging brush fire.
Ruckus - January 31, 2010 | 12:44 am · Link
@Ruckus:
Can see the edit button but it does nothing. Oh well
My friend and his wife got out of the first fire with both of their cats and the only thing we found intact was their wedding album. I have lost contact with them but have heard through friends that they were OK after the second fire as well.
The building next to mine burned two years ago when someone threw a molotov cocktail onto the roof. I woke up to the sounds of sirens a 4 in the morning, looked out the front window and all I could see were fire engines. I thought that my building was on fire. And it took a few weeks to be able to sleep well as every noise would set off a case of nerves.
@Interrobang:
Sorry about your loss.
Angry Space Cadet - January 31, 2010 | 1:11 am · Link
As a life long resident of suburban/rural Southern California, I’ve had many close calls with wildfires. Fortunately, neither myself or any neighbors have lost their homes so far.
WaterGirl - January 31, 2010 | 1:20 am · Link
@Yutsano: Count me in for the cookie swap thread.
WaterGirl - January 31, 2010 | 1:20 am · Link
@Betsy: Thank you for posting your recipe!!
Yutsano - January 31, 2010 | 1:35 am · Link
@WaterGirl: Mmm…cookies. I hope this comes to fruition now.
BDeevDad - January 31, 2010 | 3:29 am · Link
So the wife, a self proclaimed non-dog person saw some chocolate brown labs a rescue group put in front of the running shoe store and nearly brought one home. Needless to say we are not ready for a dog until our daughter’s trach is removed, but my son (and I) will be itching to get one soon thereafter. A lab is a dog I’d love to rescue, the question is, how do I keep the wife interested for at least 6 more months?
CalD - January 31, 2010 | 10:16 am · Link
Calico cats are so weird. I’ve had three of them, all weird—even for cats.
asiangrrlMN - January 31, 2010 | 12:49 pm · Link
Awwwwww, what a lovely story about a gorgeous girl! G.G. does resemble his lordship a bit, and she looks right at home.
@Interrobang: My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. You did everything you could to help your kitteh, whom you loved so much.
Cole! I hope you’re feeling marginally better today than you were yesterday.